Henan Normal University

About: Henan Normal University is a education organization based out in Xinxiang, China. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Catalysis & Ionic liquid. The organization has 10863 authors who have published 11077 publications receiving 166773 citations.

One-Pot Hydrothermal Synthesis of SnO2/BiOBr Heterojunction Photocatalysts for the Efficient Degradation of Organic Pollutants Under Visible Light.

Abstract: The establishment of p-n heterojunction between semiconductors is an effective means to improve the performance of semiconductor photocatalysts. For the first time, we synthesize SnO2/BiOBr heterojunction photocatalysts using a one-step hydrothermal method. Systematic material characterizations suggest that the photocatalysts consist of irregular BiOBr nanosheets with the length about 200 nm and width about 150 nm, and SnO2 nanoparticles are anchored uniformly onto the nanosheets. Most importantly, electrochemical characterizations including transient photocurrent profiles and electrochemical impedance spectra suggest that SnO2/BiOBr heterojunctions are created, which facilitates the charge separation and transfer efficiency of photogenerated charge carriers. As such, SnO2/BiOBr photocatalysts exhibit remarkable photocatalytic activities in terms of degrading a series of organic pollutants. Radical trapping experiments and electron spin resonance spectra suggest that superoxide radicals (•O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are primary medium species running through the photocatalytic degradation process and enhanced photocatalytic performance.

A green one-arrow-two-hawks strategy for nitrogen-doped carbon dots as fluorescent ink and oxygen reduction electrocatalysts

Abstract: A green strategy has been developed for synthesizing nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) via hydrothermal treatment of willow leaves. The supernatant exhibits strong blue fluorescence under UV radiation and can be directly used as a fluorescent ink, while the solid product with pyrolysis possesses excellent electrocatalytic activity for a highly efficient oxygen reduction reaction with great stability and methanol/CO tolerance superior to a commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Effect of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate on the wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings.

Abstract: Although many studies describe ionic liquids (ILs) as potentially greener solvents, few studies address their relationship with the environment. Recent researches suggest that some ILs have toxicity. 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([C4mim][BF4]) was reported to have the lowest toxicity among ILs. In this work, we studied the toxicity of this IL on wheat seedlings. It was shown that wheat germination was reduced to 38.0% in the presence of 4.4 mmol/L [C4mim][BF4] compared with 100% germination for the control. Similarly, the root and shoot length of wheat seedlings decreased with increasing concentrations of [C4mim][BF4]. The activity of amylase increased in shoots and roots, but it decreased significantly in germinating seeds when the [C4mim][BF4] concentration exceeded 1.8 mmol/L. Peroxidase (POD) activity and soluble protein content in shoots treated with [C4mim][BF4] changed similarly, but chlorophyll content tended to decrease with increasing concentration of [C4mim][BF4], except for at 1.8 mmol/L. Thus, [C4mim][BF4] at the concentration of 0.9 mmol/L or more was toxic to wheat seedlings. Some remedial measures are suggested to deal with IL pollution in the environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.

Shape-controlled synthesis of BiVO4 hierarchical structures with unique natural-sunlight-driven photocatalytic activity

Abstract: A detailed study on the shape control of bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) hierarchical structures and on their corresponding natural sunlight-driven photocatalytic activities was performed. We have developed a time-saving, cost-effective, surfactant-free approach for the controlled synthesis of uniform monoclinic scheelite BiVO4 hierarchical structures, obtaining diverse BiVO4 architectures including peanuts, dumbbells, flowers, spheres, olives, and rod-sheaves, via facile pH-dictated solvothermal routes with the aid of either NH3·H2O or NaOH. The influences of the morphologies of the synthesized BiVO4 hierarchical structures on the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) have been investigated, indicating that the enhanced photocatalytic performances were neither related to the surface area values nor the aspect ratios of the fabricated photocatalysts, but associated with the unique shaped configurations produced under specific low temperature hydrothermal conditions. The effects of the active species involved in the photocatalytic process and the cycle-stability of the prepared BiVO4 photocatalysts have also been examined.

A type-II GeSe/SnS heterobilayer with a suitable direct gap, superior optical absorption and broad spectrum for photovoltaic applications

Abstract: Van der Waals (vdW) heterobilayers are emerging as unique structures for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices. In this work, we predict that the GeSe/SnS heterobilayer has a direct band structure with a gap value of about 1.519 eV and typical type-II band alignment. Moreover, it possesses the characteristics of superior optical absorption (∼105) and a broad absorption spectrum from the visible light to the near ultraviolet region. In addition, the GeSe/SnS heterobilayer also exhibits obviously anisotropic electronic transport and optical properties with larger current and stronger optical absorption along the zigzag direction. Meanwhile, interlayer coupling and applying an external electric field are identified to be effective methods to modify its electronic and optical properties. Thus, these predicted results indicate that the GeSe/SnS heterobilayer will have promising applications in photovoltaic devices.